As Noddy Holder would delicately shout ‘It’s Christmas’ as weary players, Captains and Organisers draw a deep breath and take a break. Many of the main League competitions are at the halfway point, with much of the League scheduled to end in time for Easter and the cricket season.
So how are we doing?
The Keddie Cup
The trophy is in memory of David Keddie, a well-liked and longstanding member of the League. It is the first competition of the season to complete, with favourites Holmfirth lifting the Trophy. This was powered by some very good juniors.
The John Newsome Cup
This competition is really important. Back when I was doing junior coaching and bringing new adults into the league, I could only pitch them against experienced opposition, as Holmfirth was the only club doing this. It is now a much better environment to introduce people to standard play. It remains tight at the job of the u1500s, with Jacob Westmoreland leading. The u1200s have Eric Walker and Ahmed Haseeb joint top.
The Watkinson’s League
There is one match either due or not inputted but Holmfirth are leading at the half way point. In recent years Honley have won this competition but the strengthening of Holmfirth and Meltham & Denby Dale, make it very tight. For me, Holmfirth are the favourites (I would say that, it is my team) but with no margin for error.
The Examiner League
Current leaders and favourites have to be Meltham, who have tremendous strength in depth and a good layers of 1300-1800s to pick from. They are top of the league but with a match between Honley and Huddersfield outstanding for input.
The Bill Lumley Rapid play
This is yet to start but I would tip Huddersfield for this, courtesy of the low rated Manchester end players, whose lows grading (K and A!) do not match their much better ability.
The Knockout
Again this is yet to start but I would strongly back Meltham to lift.
The Calderdale League
Every Monday the league combines under the Huddersfield banner to play in this strong league. Personally, participating in this has improved my play due to the volume of 1800+ players to compete against. The Barnsley players on a Tuesday are similarity getting fantastic experience.
This season we have agreed to split our strength between the teams, as Hebden Bridge have done the same. This avoids the situation we have encountered in the past, when Hebden Bridge have turned up with two 2100s and two 2000s in the team. That match I was on board one (but actually won!). Hebden Bridge B are leading, followed by Huddersfield A.
The schedule is relentless but we continue to rotate between the teams. Let’s win it again!
The Yorkshire League
The top team remains Huddersfield, who are joint top with Calderdale in the IM Browns as the two clubs continue to bounce in and out of the Woodhouse. In the third division, Holmfirth are a point below a promotion spot, with the remaining three games key to lift the Shield. Meltham are in fourth.
Meltham have also put a second team into the AG Sunderland, which has proved very competitive as a League. What are Bradford doing in that division?!
I maintain (but no one is interested) that we could keep a team in each division, if we did a whole of league approach to this competition. For now, best of luck to Huddersfield and Holmfirth in their promotion challenge.
Yorkshire County
We continue to boast a good number of players, Captains (Rob Oldfield) and Committee Members (myself) supporting Yorkshire. This is close to my heart and please keep it going! It was great to host the Yorkshire u1850s at the Stumble Inn and best wishes to Rob today at Swinton (post note – like the u1850s it was 6-6).
Yorkshire U18s
Holmfirth are finding it tough in the top division and it is great to see the MaDD junior team at the competition as well. We have in Alex and Isaac as some of the top juniors in the county and they continue to represent the Yorkshire at a high level. Especially the big FIDE international event coming up in the New Year.
Please note, Yorkshire Junior Chess are at Holmfirth High on the 15th March. Let me know if you want to help out please.
Strength in depth
I have previously mentioned about our attempts to rebuild the Huddersfield League. This is happening through Holmfirth, Meltham and now Denby Dale. Meltham & Denby Dale since inception have had 71 registered LMS players through the door. They also run competitions and events (with food) three to four days a week. I am so going to the food events when time permits.
Individual Performance
Using ECF rating listings (K and A as P throws things somewhat) between September and December, the most improved player is joint between Isaac Fossey and Jacob Westmoreland with both gaining 63 points and a 4% improvement. This is followed by Jake Howard (58 and 4%). Due to youth this is not a surprise.
Drew Batley (56 and 4%) and Hamid Faham (55 and 3%) cannot claim the youth card. Sam Hough (54 and 5%) and Will Peacock (38 and 2%) restore matters.
Greg Eagleton remains our strongest active player at 2123, followed by Peter Hepworth (2027), Alex Burke (1968), Leo Keely (1946), Gerald Cuaresma (1945) and myself at 1843.
Anyway, Happy Christmas all and see you in the New Year!